When Jurassic World Rebirth stomped into theaters in early July 2025, few could have predicted the paradox it would become: a box office juggernaut that’s also one of the franchise’s most divisive entries. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey, the latest chapter in the Jurassic Park saga has sparked heated debates among fans and critics alike, even as it climbs the charts with jaw-dropping global earnings.
According to Koimoi, Jurassic World Rebirth opened to strong numbers in Japan despite facing stiff competition from Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and receiving the lowest ratings for the franchise in that country. The film pulled in $2.4 million on its Japanese release day and saw a slight uptick to $2.5 million on day two, totaling nearly $5 million in just 48 hours. Notably, this opening day haul outpaced that of its predecessor, Jurassic World Dominion, which managed only $2.1 million on its first day in Japan. Still, the film’s day two numbers lagged behind those of Dominion, hinting at a more modest trajectory in that market.
Globally, though, the picture is far rosier. Jurassic World Rebirth has raked in approximately $772.6 million as of August 10, 2025, with $323.4 million coming from domestic audiences and $449.2 million from international markets. The film’s robust box office performance has cemented its status as a blockbuster, even as its critical reception remains mixed. As Screen Rant points out, the movie’s haul virtually guarantees the franchise will continue, with a fifth installment all but inevitable.
The latest film takes a fresh approach to the dino-filled formula, introducing a new cast of characters who could potentially shape the future of the franchise. At the heart of the story is Zora Bennet (Scarlett Johansson), a covert operative tasked with retrieving the DNA of the largest dinosaurs from land, air, and sea. She’s joined by Henry (Jonathan Bailey) and Duncan (Mahershala Ali), forming a trio reminiscent of the original Jurassic Park’s beloved team of Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, and Ian Malcolm. This nod to the franchise’s roots is no accident; according to Screen Rant, the creative team was keen to honor the legacy of the 1993 classic.
But Jurassic World Rebirth isn’t just about nostalgia. The film’s plot sees Zora and her companions embark on a perilous mission to a remote, forbidden island, where the stakes are nothing less than the creation of a life-saving drug using dinosaur DNA. Along the way, Zora confronts unexpected tragedy, forcing her to grapple with the ethical implications of their quest. By the end, Zora and Henry choose to make the medicine open-source—a decision that neatly wraps up their character arcs and, as Screen Rant observes, leaves little narrative room for their return in future installments.
That’s not the case for Duncan. The character, played with gravitas by Mahershala Ali, emerges as the emotional core of the film. Haunted by the loss of his child—a backstory element that fuels his determination to protect Isabella, another key character—Duncan’s journey is marked by sacrifice and resilience. In a climactic sequence, he lures the menacing D-rex away from the group, seemingly sealing his fate. Yet, in a twist revealed by director Gareth Edwards, Duncan survives: "Duncan was supposed to die in Jurassic World Rebirth. However, the studio ultimately suggested that he should live, presumably because they wanted the option to potentially bring Ali back for a sequel."
This creative decision has sparked debate among fans and critics. Some argue that Duncan’s survival undercuts the emotional weight of his arc, while others see it as a shrewd move that keeps the door open for further exploration of his character. As Screen Rant notes, there’s still much to unpack—Duncan’s relationship with his ex-wife, the lingering pain of his child’s death, and his evolving sense of heroism all present fertile ground for future storytelling. If the franchise follows the precedent set by The Lost World: Jurassic Park, which brought back only one member of the original trio for its sequel, Duncan seems poised to take center stage in Jurassic World 5.
Meanwhile, the film’s commercial strategy is adapting to changing viewing habits. Good Housekeeping reports that Jurassic World Rebirth became available for digital purchase and rental on August 5, 2025, just over a month after its theatrical debut. Fans eager for a home viewing experience can rent or buy the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango at Home, with rental windows typically allowing 48 hours of access. There’s even more to entice die-hards: over an hour of bonus content comes bundled with digital copies.
For those willing to wait, the film will eventually land on Peacock, Universal Studios’ streaming platform. Subscriptions start at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year, making it an accessible option for fans looking to binge the entire Jurassic Park saga. As Good Housekeeping notes, this release strategy reflects the evolving landscape of film distribution, where early digital access and eventual streaming availability are now par for the course.
Despite its financial triumphs, Jurassic World Rebirth hasn’t escaped criticism. Japanese audiences in particular have given the film some of the lowest ratings in franchise history, with a 3.6-star average that matches the much-maligned Jurassic Park III. The film also received a B on CinemaScore, signaling mixed word-of-mouth. Yet, as Koimoi observes, these lukewarm reviews haven’t dented its global appeal. The movie has even cracked the all-time global top 100 at the domestic box office—a feat that underscores the enduring allure of dinosaurs on the big screen.
As the dust settles and fans speculate about the next chapter, one thing is clear: Jurassic World Rebirth has ushered in a new era for the franchise. With Duncan’s fate left tantalizingly unresolved and Universal Studios eyeing another sequel, the world of genetically resurrected dinosaurs shows no sign of extinction. Whether future entries can recapture the critical acclaim of the original or will continue to divide audiences remains to be seen—but for now, the franchise’s box office bite is as fierce as ever.
